Commissioning services

Description

This article outlines the purpose, structure, and key roles in a commissioning service for a new priest. It includes preparation steps, responsibilities, and guidance on speeches, liturgy, and official documents.

Purpose of a commissioning service

A commissioning service welcomes the new priest and their family into the parish, but it also celebratesthe life of the church community. These services often include ecumenical guests and non-church visitors, so it’s usually best to follow an order of service based on evening prayer.

If Holy Communion is preferred or other changes are needed, the parish must first discuss this with the Archbishop.

The order of service

The official Order of Service is available from the Office of the Archbishop. It should be used as provided. Customisations or substitutions should be discussed early.

Responsibilities

Area Dean

• Meet with the new priest (incumbent elect) and parish reps to review the order of
• Confirm readings with the bishop or designated Use one of the approved readings for the day.
• Coordinate hymn and music selection with the priest and
• Help choose people to present the symbols of ministry. You may include a unique item that represents the parish.
• Work with the parish to plan speeches of
• Help decide who should be invited as official guests and encourage early
• Marshall the clergy for the
• Lead specific prayers during the
• Make sure the vestry record is ready and signed by all clergy
• Speak on behalf of the Area Deanery or nominate someone else to do
• Act as MC during the speeches: acknowledge guests and run the

Archdeacon

• Help present the symbols of ministry during the

 

Church Office

• Create the final Order of Service once all details are
• Prepare the Oaths and Declarations and the

Registrar (or representative)

• Attend the service to confirm that the oaths and declarations are
• Read the Licence during the

Speeches of welcome

Speeches of welcome should include the following:

• A community leader (representative of the wider community)
• A local church representative
• A member of the Area Deanery
• A representative of the parish
• The new incumbent

Related resources

TBA